What is the nutritional value of Aperol Spritz?

December 8, 2025 •

3 min read

An average Aperol Spritz contains approximately 125 to 245 calories per serving, but this can vary widely depending on the specific ingredients and measurements used. While the Aperol Spritz is often perceived as a lighter cocktail option due to its vibrant color and refreshing taste, its nutritional profile is primarily composed of carbohydrates from sugar and alcohol, with minimal other nutrients.

Quick Summary

The nutritional content of an Aperol Spritz is mainly composed of calories from alcohol and sugar, with minimal fat or protein. Its final caloric value depends on the proportions of Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water used. Lighter modifications can reduce overall calories and sugar.

Key Points

High in Sugar: An Aperol Spritz contains a significant amount of sugar, primarily from the Aperol liqueur and Prosecco, with one standard serving often containing around 19 grams.
Alcohol and Calories: The caloric content, ranging from 125 to 245 calories per drink, comes from both the alcohol in Aperol and Prosecco, as well as the sugar content.
Low in Nutrients: The beverage offers minimal nutritional benefits, containing negligible amounts of protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, or minerals.
Modification Options: To reduce calories and sugar, opt for a lower-sugar Prosecco (Brut), increase the proportion of calorie-free soda water, or use less Aperol.
Healthier Compared to Some Cocktails: Although not a 'healthy' drink, an Aperol Spritz is often lower in calories than sugary alternatives like standard margaritas or mojitos.

The Aperol Spritz, a popular Italian aperitif, is renowned for its bittersweet taste and bright orange hue. Understanding its nutritional value involves breaking down the core ingredients: Aperol liqueur, Prosecco, and a splash of soda water. The primary nutritional components are alcohol and sugar, contributed mainly by the Aperol and Prosecco. Although the overall calorie count may be lower than many creamy or syrup-heavy cocktails, the drink offers little in the way of essential vitamins and minerals. For those monitoring their intake, knowing the breakdown of each component is key to making an informed choice.

The Nutritional Breakdown of a Standard Aperol Spritz

To fully comprehend the nutritional value, it's essential to examine each ingredient individually and then see how they combine to create the final cocktail. Here is a typical nutritional profile based on a standard 3:2:1 ratio (3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda).

Aperol Liqueur

Aperol itself is a low-alcohol (11% ABV) liqueur, but it is relatively high in sugar. For every 1.5 fl oz (approx. 44 ml) serving, Aperol contributes around 74 calories and 11.6 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from sugar. The distinct flavor comes from ingredients like bitter orange, gentian, and rhubarb, but these herbal compounds are not present in significant enough quantities to provide substantial health benefits within a single drink.

Prosecco Sparkling Wine

Prosecco is a key component, providing the effervescence and a portion of the alcohol. The calorie and sugar content in Prosecco varies depending on its style (Brut has less sugar than Demi-Sec, for example). On average, a standard 125ml glass of Prosecco (around 4.2 fl oz) contains about 120 calories and 7 grams of sugar. The alcohol content is typically around 11-12% ABV.

Soda Water

Soda water, or club soda, is essentially calorie-free and sugar-free. Its role is to dilute the drink and add fizz without contributing to the caloric load, making it a crucial element in keeping the Aperol Spritz a relatively lighter cocktail. Some club sodas contain small amounts of minerals like sodium, but these are negligible from a nutritional standpoint.

Putting it all together

When combined in the 3:2:1 ratio, the cocktail typically contains somewhere between 125 and 245 calories, depending on the serving size and specific ingredients used. The majority of these calories are empty calories, derived from alcohol and added sugars, with minimal to no protein, fat, or fiber.

Customizing for a Lower Nutritional Impact

For those seeking a more health-conscious version of the classic Aperol Spritz, a few simple modifications can significantly reduce the caloric and sugar content.

Use a lower-sugar Prosecco

Opting for a 'Brut' or 'Extra Brut' Prosecco, which have less residual sugar, is an effective way to cut down on sugar and calories. Some brands even offer specific 'skinny' or reduced-sugar options.

Adjust the ratio

By increasing the proportion of soda water relative to Aperol and Prosecco, you can dilute the overall sugar and alcohol content. A simple 1:1:1 ratio, or even a 1:1:2 ratio of Aperol:Prosecco:Soda, will produce a much lighter drink.

Embrace garnishes

While an orange slice adds minimal calories (and a trace amount of vitamin C), using more herbs like fresh mint can enhance the refreshing flavor without adding sugar.

Aperol Spritz vs. Other Popular Cocktails: A Nutritional Comparison


Feature	Aperol Spritz	Margarita (Standard)	Mojito (Standard)
Calories	~125-245	~200-300+	~200-250+
Sugar Content	~19g per serving	High (from triple sec and simple syrup)	High (from sugar and simple syrup)
Ingredients	Aperol, Prosecco, Soda Water	Tequila, Triple Sec, Lime Juice	Rum, Sugar, Mint, Lime, Soda Water
Key Flavor Profile	Bittersweet, Orange, Herbal	Sweet, Sour, Citrus	Sweet, Citrus, Mint
Best Served	Pre-dinner aperitif	Any time	Any time

Conclusion

While the Aperol Spritz is a lighter option compared to many other popular cocktails, it's not without its nutritional considerations. The drink's value is derived almost entirely from carbohydrates and alcohol, with the sugar content being particularly high for a seemingly light and refreshing beverage. For those aiming to maintain a balanced diet, it is recommended to consume it in moderation. Adjusting the recipe by using a lower-sugar Prosecco or increasing the amount of soda water offers excellent ways to enjoy this classic drink with less sugar and fewer calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard Aperol Spritz, depending on the serving size and specific proportions, typically contains between 125 and 245 calories. The calories primarily come from the alcohol and sugar in the Aperol and Prosecco.

Yes, a typical Aperol Spritz contains a high amount of sugar. Sources indicate a single serving can contain approximately 19 grams of sugar, which contributes significantly to its overall carbohydrate and calorie count.

Yes, you can make a lower-calorie Aperol Spritz by modifying the recipe. Use a Brut Prosecco (which has less sugar), increase the amount of zero-calorie soda water, and be mindful of the overall portion sizes.

While not a 'healthy' drink, the Aperol Spritz is generally lower in calories than many other cocktails that use larger amounts of spirits, liqueurs, and sugary mixers, such as margaritas or pina coladas.

The primary sources of calories are the alcohol and sugar contributed by the Aperol liqueur and the Prosecco sparkling wine.

Aside from trace amounts of vitamins from the orange garnish, an Aperol Spritz offers very little in the way of nutritional benefits. Its primary components are alcohol and sugar, which provide empty calories.

Aperol contains a notable amount of sugar, with about 7 grams per ounce. While this is comparable to some other aperitifs, it's a key factor for anyone watching their sugar intake.